Chinese New Year Signs and Symbols

In 2015, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on 19 February 2015. It will mark the start of Year of Goat, Chinese new Year 4713.

Chinese New Year celebrations are full of symbolism. There are four types of csymbols and characters that are used during Chinese New Year.

1. The Fortune Character :

The Fu Character is one of the most popular Chinese New Year symbols for modern Chinese people. The Chinese character Fu means fortune. People post “Fu” character on their doors upside down to mean “Fortune Arrives”.

2. The Zodiac Symbol of the year

The Chinese Zodiac animal of the year is also one of the most popular Chinese New Year symbols.

Apart from this there are numerous other symbols which are normally used during New Year Celebrations.

Fu and Feng: This is a paper cuttings of the Chinese characters Fu and Feng that are placed in almost all the houses. It is said that Fu bring in luck while, Feng promises a bountiful harvest.

Chinese Dragon: Symbolizing the auspicious, the potent and re-presenters of power and strength. The Chinese Dragon are mythological creatures for Chinese people. They are believed to have control over water in all forms.

Chinese Lanterns: This symbol represent peace, harmony and blessings as they guide everyone to their own home after the period of celebration and festivity.

Red Envelope: There is a tradition that the elders hand out a red envelop with money to the younger ones as gift. The red brings good luck while the money in it is a wish for prosperity and abundance all round the year.

Chinese Colors and their Meaning :

Red: This color is believed to bring in luck.
Gold: This color is the symbol of prosperity.
White: This color is considered as a symbol of misfortune and is avoided during the celebrations.